Cost of asthma due to traffic-related air pollution greatly underestimated

Previous studies have focused on the cost of pollution-related worsening of existing asthma cases such as hospitalisations. This new study published in the European Respiratory Journal calculated costs based on morbidity associated with asthma (such as sinus and ear infections) and the cost of regular care (such as daily control medication). This 'asthma career cost' estimates the lifelong costs incurred throughout the 'career' of the disease. The results suggested that an asthma case could consum 7-8 percent of a family income. Previous research suggests that over 50% of the population in 10 major European cities live within 150 metres of major roads.